22. Important Arrivals
First entered a band of Ryls from the Happy Valley, all merry little
sprites like fairy elves. A dozen crooked Knooks followed from the
great Forest of Burzee. They had long whiskers and pointed caps and
curling toes, yet were no taller than Button-Bright's shoulder. With
this group came a man so easy to recognize and so important and dearly
beloved throughout the known world, that all present rose to their feet
and bowed their heads in respectful homage, even before the High
Chamberlain knelt to announce his name.
"The most Mighty and Loyal Friend of Children, His Supreme
Highness--Santa Claus!" said the Chamberlain, in an awed voice.
"Well, well, well! Glad to see you--glad to meet you all!" cried
Santa Claus, briskly, as he trotted up the long room.
He was round as an apple, with a fresh rosy face, laughing eyes, and
a bushy beard as white as snow. A red cloak trimmed with beautiful
ermine hung from his shoulders and upon his back was a basket filled
with pretty presents for the Princess Ozma.
"Hello, Dorothy; still having adventures?" he asked in his jolly way,
as he took the girl's hand in both his own.
"How did you know my name, Santa?" she replied, feeling more shy in
the presence of this immortal saint than she ever had before in her
young life.
"Why, don't I see you every Christmas Eve, when you're asleep?"
he rejoined, pinching her blushing cheek.
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